Pages

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

500 posts :: craft day

I've been busy making patterns and samples and here's what you could make (if you'd like to join in!)

2-layer handstitched cupcake purses!

Complete with an easy sew-in zip that the most terrified zip-sewer can conquer!

This post has A LOT of photos to guide you through the process,I hope they make the instructions easy to understand ::

To print the pattern simply right click the picture, save to your computer and print. It fits onto one piece of A4 paper.

Cut out :: 2 purse pieces & 1 of each cupcake piece. You'll also need to pick some co-ordinating ribbon, a button and a 4" zip.

On one of the purse pieces stitch the ribbon into position.

Stitch the ribbon to your cupcake piece.

Make sure the ends of the ribbon are tucked underneath and then they can't fray.

Pin you cupcake into position and stitch at right angles to the edge.

Pin your cupcake icing into position and again, stitch at right angles to the edge.

Sew your button on using a two strands of thread (it's stronger)

Once your purse is decorated it's time to conquer the zipper!

pin the zip to the decorated layer of your purse.

Carefully lay the two pieces on top of each other insuring the edges are lined up. Pin the two layers together.

Once your purse is all pinned together you need to adjust the pins that are holding your zip in position so they are also pinned through both layers. It's worth taking your time over this, making sure everything is nicely lined up and securly pinned.

the back should look like this.

before starting to sew the zip gently slide the slider back and forth to make sure it slides smoothly.

Start to stitch the zip in using a neat straight stitch.

before passing the needle all the way through turn the purse over to make sure that your underside stitches are the same distance away from the zip. Being patient and taking your time at this step will make or break your purse!

Once you have finished stitching the front looks like this.and the back like this.

Now you have mastered zips! Hurrah!

The next step is to fold your purse over and pin all 4 layers together. Felt is very forgiving and you will be able to manipulate the edges so they are lined up very neatly.These next photos explain my way of blanket stitching...if you can already blanket stitch you can skip this bit :-)Pass your needle through the back 2 layers of the pursepush your needle through from the back as close to your thread as possible.pull the thread through but leave a little loop.

pass your needle through the loop (from front to back) and pull it firmly.

You've just done your first blanket stitch.

repeat the steps...needle through from the back to the front...

...leave a loop, needle through the loop from front to back, pull firmly, next stitch.

the secret to neat blanket stitches (according to little old me) is to keep the horizontal stitch the same length as the vertical stitch. The more you practise judging it by eye the easier it will get...it's also easier if you do a larger blanket stitch (about 5mm)

keep stitching round the curves

and tra-la! you've made your very own cupcake purse....

...complete with zip !!

The decorations you can use on this purse are un-limited, I made a pink & a blue one and will be making lots more, in all sorts of colours and with all sorts of decorations. I have set up a flick:r group and would love it if you'd all add your purses to it too :-)

Thank you so much for this, I can only imagine how long it must have taken you to put it all together for us. Hand sewing is my favorite activity, and I can't wait to make some of these for my girls. Thanks again, now go have a cupcake to celebrate!

I stayed up last night but alas the party didn't get going 'til I had gone to bed. Nevermind, I will be trying this today, I saved myself some spotty blue felt for the project, now off to find a zip...

I could only find six inch zips though! Any hoo, I have made a very bad attempt at one....by increasing the size of the pattern you provided to accommodate my six inch zip. It looks ok...my four year old daughter LOVES it and can't believe I made it (even though she saw me, lol, I am new to felt making!).

My stitches are not very neat as I am new to this....I can't get my stitches straight, or the same length yet....oops.

these are beautiful! i can't wait to try to make my own. one question: where do you get your supplies. michaels and joann's doesn't have the cute colors. and the little "sprinkles" on your cupcakes, what are those made from? thank you dear :)

Sorry may English is very bad but it's enough to say thank you for this tuto....You can see my realisation here :http://defilenaiguille66240.over-blog.com/article-32699310-6.html#anchorCommentKissesValé

Hi, I'm Carlotta, an italian beader... last year I used felt to do some Christmas gifts!I love working with this colorfull material, I'll try to do your purse in autumn!Thank you for the lovely tutorial

I love this tutorial so much! I just wish I had the time for that much handwork! I linked you about felt work, though. Check it out at http://stresstheseams.blogspot.com/2010/05/may-you-be-inspired-days-pocketwatch.html

Thank you for this great free pattern. I've put a photo of mine on the flickr group and it's also on my blog here: http://somethingbetterinstead.blogspot.com/2011/01/early-spring-or-just-taste-of-it.html.

Found your blog from a pin on Pinterest. Loved this sweet little purse. My darling granddaughter made one to enter in the open class at our county fair. She just turned 8 years old and loves hand-sewing. We are both delighted with how her little purse turned out. Will post a picture on your flickr group. Thanks for sharing.

I know this post is old, but I just had to leave a comment! I love this and mine turned out great. I'm going to use it as a makeup bag when I'm traveling. Also, I work in a youth center and the young girls there are going to love making these!

Love your purse! I started a girls club at my work and currently have 10 little girls working on making your purse modified to fit our theme. The girls are 5-9 so the stitching isn't always the best but they are having so much fun. Thanks for posting this!

counter

Followers

where in the world are you?

My designs

If something within this blog or either of my shops inspires you then I am happy :-) Everyone needs a little inspiration now and again. BUT please do remember that I work very hard to try make my small felt-y business work and each and every one of my designs is made with a great deal of love and attention to detail. It breaks my heart that someone may abuse this blog and copy my ideas. On this note please remember that I retain the copyright on each and everyone of my products. A boring bit of business but sometimes these things need to be spelt out !